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Welcome to The Office of Catholic Cemeteries, Diocese of Rockford

What does Catholic Cemeteries offer?

Sometimes people will ask us that question. When they do, we struggle to find the right words to offer as a response. Words that will describe not just the products we offer, the graves that we care for, the burial of the deceased, or the overall grounds that we try to improve, because there is so much more in our offering.

Updates for cemetery policies during coronavirus

Posted March, 2020

In light of the constant updates from government officials and statements from the Diocese regarding the coronavirus, the Catholic Cemeteries of the Diocese of Rockford would like to inform you of the current conditions involving burials and burial planning.

The burial of the dead is a corporal work of mercy and a very important part of our physical, spritual and emotional well-being related to the loss of a loved one and we will work to continue to serve you during this current environment by following the following guidelines, effective immediately:

Funerals: Funerals should proceed with immediate family members only, not to exceed the recommended number from the county health department. It is strongly recommended that no one from a vulnerable population attend. Social distancing (six feet) should be observed by all attendees and the Committal of the Body Service will be done at the grave site; again, with immediate family not to exceed the county’s recommendation. The committal service will include an above ground setup and tent. Chairs will not be provided. The setup equipment is being sanitized before every service, and again after the service is completed.

Offices: Our cemetery offices will be open to assist with the selection of burial spaces for AT NEED situations where a death is imminent. Our office will NOT be open for any other business, including but not limited to genealogies, decoration purchases, etc.. Decorations can be ordered by mail, email, fax, or in our online store on this website. If purchasing through the online store, please remember to include the name of deceased and cemetery prior to checkout.

The conditions in which we may operate are constantly changing so please check this website for updates.

We can offer assistance with many questions, issues and concerns that you may have over the phone or through our website as well. Please feel free to visit the website or call prior to coming out to the cemetery. The number for each cemetery is listed on the contact us page.

Bishop Malloy to celebrate web Masses and devotions

Posted March, 2020

Understanding the hardship on Catholics posed by the suspension of public Masses in the Diocese of Rockford, Bishop David Malloy announced today that he will celebrate Sunday Masses online.

The Masses will be celebrated during the suspension March 22 and March 29 at 9 a.m. (Extending that suspension will be evaluated and announced on or before April 3).

In addition to celebrating Mass, Bishop Malloy will offer other prayers and devotion every Wednesday during the suspension of Masses.

His Wednesday reflections begin with his introductory video today, March 18 and can be viewed for the next two Wednesdays at 12 Noon on www.rockforddiocese.org and on the Diocese of Rockford Facebook page.

“We are people of hope, we are people who have our trust in our faith and in our God who gives us the grace that we need even if we are not physically able to access the Mass at this time,” Bishop said in his announcement.

Bishop Malloy said the Masses and devotions are just one way he can help provide some “spiritual nourishment” to Catholics during this very difficult time of pandemic.

2020 Flower Decorations

Posted March, 2020

Our 2020 flower decorations are now available. Click here to purchase online. We encourage you to order early – we will substitute items if we are sold out of the item you ordered.

Updated Cemetery App Now Available

Posted January 9, 2020

We have an updated app available. Download the app and search the records of the cemetery. Each person has their own memorial page where visitors can share memories, stories, photos and videos that will build an interactive timeline of their loved one’s life.

Online Map Available

Posted May, 2019

We have new searchable maps of Mt Hope and Calvary Cemetery available online to help locate your loved ones. Search by first, middle, or last name, year of birth, or year of death.

ST. MARY/ST. JAMES COLUMBARIUM

Posted October, 2016

As part of the ministry of Catholic Cemeteries, we are offering to any person who has the cremated remains of a loved one, and who cannot afford the cost of burying their loved one in a Catholic Cemetery, a communal space in the columbarium shown below.